BeHaalotcha 36-5

When you lift up

Numbers 10:11-34

The standard of the camp of the children of Judah set out first according to their armies; over their army was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Num. 10:14 NKJV

Who goes first?

The name Yehuda has the same root as the word "thank you" – todah, תודה – according to what was said: “She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, "This time I will praise (odeh – אודה) the LORD." So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.” (Gen. 29:35 NIV)

The first characteristic of a Jew is that he praises the Eternal. From the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes to bed his mouth is full of praise and thanksgiving. Saying thanks to the Eternal for everything and in everything is a key to advance in life.

That's why the tribe of Yehuda, the one that knows to bless, praise and thank, is the one that goes first. The people who know to thank are the ones who pave the way and advance to be the first to arrive at the final line. The one who trades praise for bitterness will never reach the final line.

“...the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” (Isa. 43:21 NIV)

“Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.” (Ps. 89:15 NKJV)

All the peoples of earth are invited to learn from Yehuda and follow the example, as it's written in Deuteronomy 32:43a and Romans 15:10: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people...” (NIV)

“be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.” (Eph. 5:18b-20 NKJV revised)

“in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Messiah Yeshua for you.” (1 Thes. 5:18 NKJV revised)

Let's follow Yehuda's example, let's praise and thank the Eternal in everything and for everything. In this way, we'll advance and get to reach the promises first.

Blessed be the Eternal forever!